Topanga Women's Circle: May 2012

I thought about putting this at the end of this posting but I'm going to be pretty upfront. HELP!!! We've almost run out of canned foods (still have corn and beans). If each of you could grab a few items when you're next at the grocery store, our families would much appreciate it. Here are some basics that we really need and do not have: peanut butter and jelly, mustard, ketchup, mayo, salt & pepper, cooking oil, juice, Hamburger Helper, pasta, pasta sauce, mac 'n cheese, coffee, tea, pancake mix & syrup, cereal, rice, flour, canned fruit and veggies, soups, tuna, and anything else that you think were missing. We are also low on personal grooming products, including deodorants, liquid soap, shower gel, soaps, band-aids, razors, shaving cream, etc etc. We have no queen mattress pads, but are happy to get those and other big items with our TWC funds. Our paper products are also low: toilet paper and paper towels. And then there are the items we use for every set-up, including towels, pillows, comforters, blankets, sheets, laundry baskets, trash cans etc. If you see good deals on items, please grab a few. We are happy to pay you back. And if your kids have outgrown some clothing that's in good, clean condition, we'd be happy to take it off your hands. Annie Gabbert came down to the Bin this morning with a couple of bags of her daughter's stuff which was really appreciated. If you have any questions as to what we accept, just drop me a line.

Last week was super busy, but TWC has some of the greatest volunteers ever and in spite of busy schedules, we were able to welcome three new families to Westwood Transitional Village. Check out the pictures below and see if you see some of your great contributions.

We had a small set-up on Monday, May 21st for the Burbank family...Mom, Dad and 10-year old T'iana which went super quickly and smoothly. Joining me were two newish volunteers, Karen Saeki and Pat Lester, and this was their first foray into setting up an apartment for an incoming family. No guidance was needed and the pair of them did a terrific job. We finished so early that I got to LAX in plenty of time to pick up my sister-in-law. Here are some photos of the day:

Karen, deep into organizing kitchen cupboards

Pat, getting the corners straight (she was so happy that the bag she brought...hanging on bed...matched the sheets!

Love, love, love having a rug, no matter how small, in the living room.

Never too many colors, right???

A welcome sight for exhausted parents

Little girl heaven!

A welcome note, fresh fruit and

two of the cutest salt and pepper shakers ever!

What will we do when the flowers in Pat's garden are finished for the season!?

Karen got back from Minneapolis late on Tuesday and she was back in the saddle pretty quickly. On Thursday the 24th she, Pat Lester and Teresa Rosati did what I'm sure was a gorgeous set-up for the Parker Family: Mom, Dad and little Reign and Micaiah. Unfortunately, we only have one photo from the day...but it's a good one!

Oops! Pat got locked in the trash area (really!)